Scattered snail shells

I have a bay tree in a large pot. Whenever I find an empty snail shell in the garden I put it on the surface of the soil in the pot and now they cover the soil.

Every now and then the bay tree is blown over by the wind and I have to right it and put back fallen snail shells. This morning I had to lift up the bay tree and collect snail shells from 2 metres away. I think a cat (or perhaps a fox) has been playing with them.

On the way to the shops this afternoon I saw snowdrops in St John's churchyard - not in flower in my garden, though I have a few primroses and violets.

House warmth

Out collecting logs from the woodpile this morning in a very heavy frost. Pond frozen but not frozen over. Noticed ice on the water in the watering can 6 ft (2 metres) from the house, but the water in the watering can only 2 ft (66cm) had only just begun to freeze.

Shows how much heat coming from the house, even beside the unheated conservatory. I already have the small pots of plants near the house, and this morning I dragged the bay tree a little nearer.

Today the first evening I have had the central heating on, though probably should have put it on on Thursday evening as I had to shut the door into the hall for the stove to keep the dining room and sitting room warm enough.

With the stove on, the central heating on, and lots of fleecy layers, I am lovely and warm. I am thankful for this when I read of the problems people are having keeping warm in Greece.